North Korea, Reform or Collapse
Aidan Foster-Carter, Leeds University | February 11, 2009
North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il’s health remains under speculation and with it, the fate of the country. ++ Kim has proved to be a “lousy leader:” he failed to implement the fiscal reform needed to prevent the 96-98 famine and crucially, he has failed to choose a successor. If he dies now, the country may well collapse as factional interests take hold. ++ His last chance lies in engaging with the US to bring his country peace and economic reform. ++ The US should reciprocate and talk to the leader of this beleaguered nation before it’s too late.
